Africa: China, India and poverty in Africa

Despite the fact that trade between China, India (Asian Drivers) and Africa has grown significantly since 1990, it is only recently that attention has been paid to their impact on the countries of Sub-Saharan Africa. Additionally, China and India have also emerged as sources of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). This paper published by the Southern African Regional Poverty Network (SARPN) focuses on the impacts that these links have on poverty in sub saharan Africa. Through analysing 21 African countries (accounting for four-fifths of the total population of Sub-Saharan Africa) it aims to set the context for the poverty implications. The authors argue that the likely impact of trade changes on the poor will partially depend on the types of goods involved and the conditions under which they are produced.